1
Καὶ ἔδειξέν μοι ποταμὸν ὕδατος ζωῆς λαμπρὸν ὡς κρύσταλλον, ἐκπορευόμενον ἐκ τοῦ θρόνου τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ τοῦ ἀρνίου.
And he showed me a river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing out from the throne of God and of the Lamb.
The angelic guide resumes the New-Jerusalem tour: the paradisal river issues directly from the divine throne — an Edenic and Ezekielian image (Gen 2:10; Ezek 47:1).
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
Καὶandcoordinating conjunction (narrative καί)
ἔδειξένhe showedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · δείκνυμιmain verb→ constative aoristδείκνυμι: 'show, point out'; the recurring verb of the apocalyptic guided tour (cf. 21:9, 10; 22:6, 8).
μοιto meDativeindirect object
ποταμὸνriverAccusativedirect objectποταμός: 'river, stream'; the river of the water of life — paradise restored (Gen 2:10; Ezek 47).
ὕδατοςof waterGenitivegenitive of content/materialὕδωρ: 'water'; the life-giving water (cf. 21:6; 7:17; John 4).
ζωῆςof lifeGenitiveattributive (descriptive) genitiveζωή: 'life'; the water that conveys (eschatological, eternal) life.
λαμπρὸνbrightAccusativeattributive adjective (modifies ποταμόν)λαμπρός: 'bright, radiant, clear'; sparkling like crystal.
ὡςascomparative particle
κρύσταλλονcrystalAccusativeobject of comparison (acc. with ὡς)κρύσταλλος: 'rock-crystal, ice'; an image of dazzling transparency (cf. 4:6).
ἐκπορευόμενονflowing outPres Mid Ptc · Acc Sg Masc · ἐκπορεύομαιattributive participle (modifies ποταμόν)→ present (ongoing)ἐκπορεύομαι: 'go/come out, proceed'; the river's perpetual outflow from the throne.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
θρόνουthroneGenitiveobject of ἐκ (source)θρόνος: 'throne'; the single throne of God and the Lamb — the source of life and rule.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitivepossessive genitive
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
ἀρνίουLambGenitivepossessive genitive (coordinate)ἀρνίον: 'lamb'; the slain-yet-standing Lamb (5:6), here sharing God's one throne.
2
ἐν μέσῳ τῆς πλατείας αὐτῆς καὶ τοῦ ποταμοῦ ἐντεῦθεν καὶ ἐκεῖθεν ξύλον ζωῆς ποιοῦν καρποὺς δώδεκα, κατὰ μῆνα ἕκαστον ἀποδιδοῦν τὸν καρπὸν αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὰ φύλλα τοῦ ξύλου εἰς θεραπείαν τῶν ἐθνῶν.
In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, the tree of life, bearing twelve fruits, yielding its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
The Edenic tree of life reappears (Gen 2:9; 3:22), now multiplied and unsealed; its leaves heal 'the nations' — a Genesis-to-Apocalypse inclusio (Ezek 47:12).
Word-by-word analysis· 32 words
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
μέσῳthe middleDativedat. of place (substantival adj.)μέσος: 'middle, midst'; ἐν μέσῳ = 'in the midst of.'
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
πλατείαςstreetGenitivepartitive genitive (with μέσῳ)πλατεῖα: 'broad way, street, plaza'; the city's main thoroughfare (cf. 21:21).
αὐτῆςitsGenitivepossessive genitive (of the city)
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
ποταμοῦriverGenitivepartitive genitive (on each side of)ποταμός: 'river'; the tree stands on both banks of the river of life.
ἐντεῦθενon this sideadverb of placeἐντεῦθεν … ἐκεῖθεν: 'on this side and on that' — i.e. on either side.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐκεῖθενon that sideadverb of placeἐκεῖθεν: 'from there, on that side.'
ξύλονtreeNominativenominative (pendent subject; anacoluthon)ξύλον: 'wood, tree'; the tree of life (Gen 2:9) — collective/distributive here, lining both banks.
ζωῆςof lifeGenitiveattributive (descriptive) genitiveζωή: 'life'; ξύλον ζωῆς = the tree of life.
ποιοῦνbearingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Neut · ποιέωattributive participle (modifies ξύλον)→ present (ongoing/iterative)ποιέω: here 'produce, bear' (of fruit); the tree continuously produces.
καρποὺςfruitsAccusativedirect object of ποιοῦνκαρπός: 'fruit, crop'; twelve kinds/crops — abundance and completeness.
δώδεκαtwelveindeclinable numeral (modifies καρπούς)δώδεκα: 'twelve' (indeclinable); the recurring number of covenant completeness in Revelation.
κατὰeachpreposition + accusative (distributive)κατά + acc. here distributive: κατὰ μῆνα = 'month by month.'
μῆναmonthAccusativeobject of κατά (distributive)μήν: 'month'; monthly, perpetual fruitfulness.
ἕκαστονeveryAccusativeattributive adjective (with μῆνα)ἕκαστος: 'each, every'; κατὰ μῆνα ἕκαστον = 'each single month.'
ἀποδιδοῦνyieldingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Neut · ἀποδίδωμιattributive participle (modifies ξύλον)→ present (ongoing/iterative)ἀποδίδωμι: 'give back, render, yield'; of the tree rendering its produce in season.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
καρπὸνfruitAccusativedirect object of ἀποδιδοῦν
αὐτοῦitsGenitivepossessive genitive
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὰtheNominativearticle
φύλλαleavesNominativesubject (of implied 'are')φύλλον: 'leaf'; the foliage with medicinal power (Ezek 47:12).
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
ξύλουtreeGenitivepossessive genitive
εἰςforpreposition + accusative (purpose)
θεραπείανhealingAccusativeobject of εἰς (purpose)θεραπεία: 'healing, service, cure'; the leaves are medicinal — health for the nations.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle
ἐθνῶνnationsGenitiveobjective genitive (those healed)ἔθνος: 'nation'; the redeemed nations who walk in the city's light (21:24).
3
καὶ πᾶν κατάθεμα οὐκ ἔσται ἔτι. καὶ ὁ θρόνος τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ τοῦ ἀρνίου ἐν αὐτῇ ἔσται, καὶ οἱ δοῦλοι αὐτοῦ λατρεύσουσιν αὐτῷ,
And there will no longer be any curse. And the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will serve him,
The Edenic reversal completed: the curse of Genesis 3 is undone (cf. Zech 14:11), the throne is present, and redeemed servants render priestly worship.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
πᾶνanyNominativeattributive adjective (πᾶν … οὐκ = 'no')πᾶς … οὐ: a Semitic idiom = 'not any, none whatsoever.'
κατάθεμαcurseNominativesubjectκατάθεμα: 'accursed thing, curse'; echoes the LXX ἀνάθεμα — the Gen 3 curse abolished (Zech 14:11).
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἔσταιwill beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (future of εἰμί)→ predictive futureεἰμί: 'be, exist'; the future deponent ἔσται.
ἔτιany longertemporal adverbἔτι: 'still, yet'; with negative, 'no longer' (cf. 21:4).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὁtheNominativearticle
θρόνοςthroneNominativesubjectθρόνος: 'throne'; the one throne of God and the Lamb at the city's center.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitivepossessive genitive
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
ἀρνίουLambGenitivepossessive genitive (coordinate)ἀρνίον: 'Lamb'; with God on the one throne.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
αὐτῇitDativeobject of ἐν (the city)
ἔσταιwill beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb→ predictive future
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
οἱtheNominativearticle
δοῦλοιservantsNominativesubjectδοῦλος: 'slave, servant'; the redeemed as God's bondservants.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivepossessive genitive
λατρεύσουσινwill serveFut Act Indic 3 Pl · λατρεύωmain verb→ predictive futureλατρεύω: 'serve, worship' (cultic service); the servants' eternal priestly worship.
αὐτῷhimDativedative complement of λατρεύσουσιν
4
καὶ ὄψονται τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τῶν μετώπων αὐτῶν.
and they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
The beatific vision: 'they will see his face' (cf. Ps 17:15; Matt 5:8; 1 John 3:2) — the seal of belonging answering the beast's mark.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὄψονταιthey will seeFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · ὁράωmain verb→ predictive futureὁράω: 'see'; the beatific vision of God's face, denied to Moses (Exod 33:20) now granted.
τὸtheAccusativearticle
πρόσωπονfaceAccusativedirect objectπρόσωπον: 'face, presence'; the unmediated sight of God.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivepossessive genitive
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὸtheNominativearticle
ὄνομαnameNominativesubject (of implied 'will be')ὄνομα: 'name'; his name on their foreheads — the counter-seal to the beast's mark (13:16; cf. 14:1; 3:12).
αὐτοῦhisGenitivepossessive genitive
ἐπὶonpreposition + genitive (place)
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
μετώπωνforeheadsGenitiveobject of ἐπί (place)μέτωπον: 'forehead'; site of the divine seal of ownership (cf. 7:3; 14:1).
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivepossessive genitive
5
καὶ νὺξ οὐκ ἔσται ἔτι, καὶ οὐκ ἔχουσιν χρείαν φωτὸς λύχνου καὶ φωτὸς ἡλίου, ὅτι κύριος ὁ θεὸς φωτίσει ἐπ' αὐτούς, καὶ βασιλεύσουσιν εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων.
And night will be no more, and they have no need of the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, because the Lord God will shine upon them; and they will reign forever and ever.
The Edenic vision closes (21:23–25): no night, no created light, for God himself is the light; the servants reign forever — the kingdom promise fulfilled (Dan 7:18, 27).
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
νὺξnightNominativesubjectνύξ: 'night'; the absence of night signals unending day in God's presence.
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἔσταιwill beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb→ predictive future
ἔτιany longertemporal adverbἔτι: with negative, 'no longer.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἔχουσινthey havePres Act Indic 3 Pl · ἔχωmain verb→ gnomic/stative presentἔχω: 'have'; οὐκ ἔχουσιν χρείαν = 'they have no need.'
χρείανneedAccusativedirect objectχρεία: 'need, necessity.'
φωτὸςof lightGenitiveobjective genitive (of χρείαν)φῶς: 'light'; created light made superfluous.
λύχνουof a lampGenitivegenitive of source/materialλύχνος: 'lamp'; the light of lamp and sun no longer needed.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
φωτὸςof lightGenitiveobjective genitive (of χρείαν)
ἡλίουof the sunGenitivegenitive of sourceἥλιος: 'sun'; cf. 21:23 — the city needs neither sun nor moon.
ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction
κύριοςLordNominativesubjectκύριος: 'Lord'; κύριος ὁ θεός — the LXX divine title.
ὁtheNominativearticle
θεὸςGodNominativesubject (apposition)θεός: God; he himself is the everlasting light (Isa 60:19–20).
φωτίσειwill shineFut Act Indic 3 Sg · φωτίζωmain verb (ὅτι clause)→ predictive futureφωτίζω: 'give light, illumine'; φωτίσει ἐπ' αὐτούς = 'will shine upon them.'
ἐπ'uponpreposition + accusative (direction)
αὐτούςthemAccusativeobject of ἐπί
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
βασιλεύσουσινthey will reignFut Act Indic 3 Pl · βασιλεύωmain verb→ predictive futureβασιλεύω: 'reign, be king'; the saints reign forever (Dan 7:18; cf. 5:10; 20:6).
εἰςto/forpreposition + accusative (extent of time)
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
αἰῶναςagesAccusativeobject of εἰς (duration)αἰών: 'age'; εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων = 'forever and ever.'
τῶνof theGenitivearticle
αἰώνωνagesGenitivegenitive (Hebraic superlative)αἰών: the doubled idiom intensifies — unending eternity.
6
Καὶ εἶπέν μοι· Οὗτοι οἱ λόγοι πιστοὶ καὶ ἀληθινοί, καὶ ὁ κύριος ὁ θεὸς τῶν πνευμάτων τῶν προφητῶν ἀπέστειλεν τὸν ἄγγελον αὐτοῦ δεῖξαι τοῖς δούλοις αὐτοῦ ἃ δεῖ γενέσθαι ἐν τάχει.
And he said to me, "These words are faithful and true; and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place."
The book's epilogue opens with an attestation echoing the prologue (1:1) and 21:5: the words are 'faithful and true,' divinely authorized.
Word-by-word analysis· 31 words
Καὶandcoordinating conjunction
εἶπένhe saidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (introduces speech)→ constative aoristλέγω/εἶπον: 'say'; the angelic guide speaks.
μοιto meDativeindirect object
ΟὗτοιtheseNominativedemonstrative (subject)οὗτος: 'this'; pointing to the whole revelation.
οἱtheNominativearticle
λόγοιwordsNominativesubjectλόγος: 'word, saying'; the words of the prophecy (cf. v.7).
πιστοὶfaithfulNominativepredicate adjectiveπιστός: 'faithful, trustworthy'; cf. 21:5; 19:9.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἀληθινοίtrueNominativepredicate adjectiveἀληθινός: 'true, genuine'; reliable and real.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὁtheNominativearticle
κύριοςLordNominativesubjectκύριος: 'Lord.'
ὁtheNominativearticle
θεὸςGodNominativeapposition to κύριοςθεός: God; 'the God of the spirits of the prophets' (cf. Num 16:22; 27:16).
τῶνof theGenitivearticle
πνευμάτωνspiritsGenitiveobjective/possessive genitiveπνεῦμα: 'spirit'; the inspiring spirits of the prophets, governed by God.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle
προφητῶνprophetsGenitivepossessive genitiveπροφήτης: 'prophet'; John's revelation stands in the prophetic succession.
ἀπέστειλενsentAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποστέλλωmain verb→ constative aoristἀποστέλλω: 'send (with commission)'; the commissioning of the revealing angel (cf. 1:1).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ἄγγελονangelAccusativedirect objectἄγγελος: 'angel, messenger'; the mediating angel of the revelation.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivepossessive genitive
δεῖξαιto showAor Act Inf · δείκνυμιinfinitive of purpose→ constative aoristδείκνυμι: 'show'; purpose of the sending — to disclose what must happen.
τοῖςtheDativearticle
δούλοιςservantsDativeindirect object of δεῖξαιδοῦλος: 'servant'; God's prophet-servants and the churches.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivepossessive genitive
ἃwhatAccusativerelative pronoun (object of δεῖξαι)
δεῖmustPres Act Indic 3 Sg · δεῖimpersonal verb (necessity)→ gnomic presentδεῖ: 'it is necessary'; the divine 'must' of apocalyptic certainty (cf. 1:1; Dan 2:28).
γενέσθαιtake placeAor Mid Inf · γίνομαιcomplementary infinitive (of δεῖ)→ constative aoristγίνομαι: 'become, happen'; what must come to pass.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner)
τάχειquickly/soonDativedat. of manner (ἐν τάχει)τάχος: 'speed'; ἐν τάχει = 'soon, speedily' (cf. 1:1).
7
καὶ ἰδοὺ ἔρχομαι ταχύ. μακάριος ὁ τηρῶν τοὺς λόγους τῆς προφητείας τοῦ βιβλίου τούτου.
"And behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."
The third of the 'I am coming soon' sayings (cf. vv.12, 20), spoken by the exalted Christ, with the sixth beatitude (cf. 1:3) on the keeper of the prophecy.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἰδοὺbeholdpresentative particle/interjectionἰδού: 'behold!'; attention-arresting demonstrative interjection (indeclinable).
ἔρχομαιI am comingPres Mid Indic 1 Sg · ἔρχομαιmain verb (futuristic present)→ futuristic present (imminence)ἔρχομαι: 'come'; the present of certain, imminent coming.
ταχύsoonadverb (of time)ταχύ: 'quickly, soon'; cf. vv.12, 20.
μακάριοςblessedNominativepredicate adjective (beatitude)μακάριος: 'blessed, happy'; the macarism form (cf. 1:3; one of seven in Revelation).
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
τηρῶνwho keepsPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · τηρέωsubstantival participle (subject)→ present (customary)τηρέω: 'keep, guard, observe'; obeying and treasuring the prophecy.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
λόγουςwordsAccusativedirect object of τηρῶνλόγος: 'word'; the contents of the prophecy.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
προφητείαςprophecyGenitiveattributive (descriptive) genitiveπροφητεία: 'prophecy'; Revelation styles itself a book of prophecy (1:3; 22:18–19).
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
βιβλίουbookGenitivepossessive/source genitiveβιβλίον: 'scroll, book'; this very written prophecy.
τούτουthisGenitivedemonstrative (attributive)οὗτος: 'this'; self-referential to Revelation.
8
Κἀγὼ Ἰωάννης ὁ ἀκούων καὶ βλέπων ταῦτα. καὶ ὅτε ἤκουσα καὶ ἔβλεψα, ἔπεσα προσκυνῆσαι ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ποδῶν τοῦ ἀγγέλου τοῦ δεικνύοντός μοι ταῦτα.
And I, John, am the one hearing and seeing these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things.
John signs the testimony in the first person (cf. 1:9) and recounts his second mistaken attempt to worship the angel (cf. 19:10).
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
Κἀγὼand INominativecrasis (καὶ ἐγώ); emphatic subjectκἀγώ: crasis of καί + ἐγώ; 'and I' — John steps forward as witness.
ἸωάννηςJohnNominativeapposition to ἐγώἸωάννης: John, the seer and author (1:1, 4, 9).
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ἀκούωνhearingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἀκούωsubstantival ptc. in apposition→ present (concurrent)ἀκούω: 'hear'; John as the one who heard the revelation.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
βλέπωνseeingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · βλέπωsubstantival ptc. (coordinate)→ present (concurrent)βλέπω: 'see, look'; hearing-and-seeing as the prophet's twofold witness.
ταῦταthese thingsAccusativedirect object (of the participles)οὗτος: 'these things' — the visions just recounted.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὅτεwhentemporal conjunctionὅτε: 'when'; introduces the temporal clause.
ἤκουσαI heardAor Act Indic 1 Sg · ἀκούωmain verb (temporal clause)→ constative aoristἀκούω: 'hear.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἔβλεψαsawAor Act Indic 1 Sg · βλέπωmain verb (temporal clause)→ constative aoristβλέπω: 'see.'
ἔπεσαI fell downAor Act Indic 1 Sg · πίπτωmain verb→ constative aoristπίπτω: 'fall'; John prostrates himself — the gesture of worship.
προσκυνῆσαιto worshipAor Act Inf · προσκυνέωinfinitive of purpose→ constative aoristπροσκυνέω: 'do obeisance, worship'; the act wrongly directed at the angel.
ἔμπροσθενbeforeimproper preposition + genitiveἔμπροσθεν: 'in front of, before.'
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
ποδῶνfeetGenitiveobject of ἔμπροσθενπούς: 'foot'; at the angel's feet.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
ἀγγέλουangelGenitivepossessive genitiveἄγγελος: 'angel'; the revealing angel.
τοῦthe (one)Genitivearticle (substantizes ptc.)
δεικνύοντόςwho showedPres Act Ptc · Gen Sg Masc · δείκνυμιattributive participle (modifies ἀγγέλου)→ present (here of the recent disclosure)δείκνυμι: 'show'; the angel who was showing him these things.
μοιto meDativeindirect object
ταῦταthese thingsAccusativedirect object of δεικνύοντος
9
καὶ λέγει μοι· Ὅρα μή· σύνδουλός σού εἰμι καὶ τῶν ἀδελφῶν σου τῶν προφητῶν καὶ τῶν τηρούντων τοὺς λόγους τοῦ βιβλίου τούτου· τῷ θεῷ προσκύνησον.
But he said to me, "See that you do not! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!"
The angel refuses worship and redirects it to God — the same correction as 19:10; angel and seer are σύνδουλοι, fellow servants.
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
καὶand/butcoordinating conjunction
λέγειhe saysPres Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (historic/vivid present)→ historic presentλέγω: 'say'; the narrative present heightens the rebuke.
μοιto meDativeindirect object
Ὅραsee (that you do not)Pres Act Impv 2 Sg · ὁράωimperative (ὅρα μή = prohibition)→ prohibitive presentὁράω: 'see'; ὅρα μή = 'don't do it!' (elliptical prohibition).
μήnotnegative particle (with ὅρα)
σύνδουλόςfellow servantNominativepredicate nominativeσύνδουλος: 'fellow slave/servant'; angel and prophet share servant rank under God.
σούyourGenitivegenitive of association (with σύνδουλος)
εἰμιI amPres Act Indic 1 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τῶνof theGenitivearticle
ἀδελφῶνbrothersGenitivegenitive of associationἀδελφός: 'brother'; fellow members of God's servant-community.
σουyourGenitivepossessive genitive
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
προφητῶνprophetsGenitiveapposition to ἀδελφῶνπροφήτης: 'prophet'; John's brothers are the prophets.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τῶνof thoseGenitivearticle (substantizes ptc.)
τηρούντωνwho keepPres Act Ptc · Gen Pl Masc · τηρέωsubstantival participle (genitive of association)→ present (customary)τηρέω: 'keep, observe'; all who obey this prophecy.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
λόγουςwordsAccusativedirect object of τηρούντωνλόγος: 'word.'
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
βιβλίουbookGenitivepossessive genitiveβιβλίον: 'book, scroll.'
τούτουthisGenitivedemonstrative (attributive)
τῷtheDativearticle
θεῷGodDativedative complement of προσκύνησον (fronted)θεός: God; the fronted dative emphasizes the proper object of worship.
προσκύνησονworship!Aor Act Impv 2 Sg · προσκυνέωimperative (command)→ ingressive/constative aorist imperativeπροσκυνέω: 'worship'; redirected to God alone.
10
Καὶ λέγει μοι· Μὴ σφραγίσῃς τοὺς λόγους τῆς προφητείας τοῦ βιβλίου τούτου, ὁ καιρὸς γὰρ ἐγγύς ἐστιν.
And he said to me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near."
Unlike Daniel, told to seal his book (Dan 12:4), John must leave it open — the time of fulfillment is near.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
Καὶandcoordinating conjunction
λέγειhe saysPres Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (historic present)→ historic presentλέγω: 'say.'
μοιto meDativeindirect object
Μὴnotnegative particle (with subjunctive)
σφραγίσῃςseal upAor Act Subj 2 Sg · σφραγίζωprohibitive subjunctive (μή + aor. subj.)→ ingressive aorist (prohibition)σφραγίζω: 'seal, seal up'; opposite of Dan 12:4 — the prophecy stays open.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
λόγουςwordsAccusativedirect objectλόγος: 'word.'
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
προφητείαςprophecyGenitiveattributive genitiveπροφητεία: 'prophecy.'
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
βιβλίουbookGenitivepossessive genitiveβιβλίον: 'book.'
τούτουthisGenitivedemonstrative
ὁtheNominativearticle
καιρὸςtimeNominativesubjectκαιρός: 'appointed time, season'; the decisive eschatological moment (cf. 1:3).
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction (postpositive)
ἐγγύςnearadverb (predicate)ἐγγύς: 'near, at hand'; the time is imminent.
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
11
ὁ ἀδικῶν ἀδικησάτω ἔτι, καὶ ὁ ῥυπαρὸς ῥυπανθήτω ἔτι, καὶ ὁ δίκαιος δικαιοσύνην ποιησάτω ἔτι, καὶ ὁ ἅγιος ἁγιασθήτω ἔτι.
Let the one doing wrong still do wrong, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do righteousness, and the holy still be made holy.
A fourfold ironic imperative (cf. Dan 12:10; Ezek 3:27): since the time is near, character is now fixed — judgment confirms the settled state of each.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ἀδικῶνdoing wrongPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἀδικέωsubstantival participle (subject)→ present (customary)ἀδικέω: 'do wrong, act unjustly.'
ἀδικησάτωlet him do wrongAor Act Impv 3 Sg · ἀδικέωthird-person imperative (concessive)→ constative aorist imperativeἀδικέω: the permissive/ironic imperative — the fixed verdict on the wrongdoer.
ἔτιstilltemporal adverbἔτι: 'still, yet'; the refrain across the four clauses.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὁtheNominativearticle
ῥυπαρὸςfilthy (one)Nominativesubstantival adjective (subject)ῥυπαρός: 'dirty, filthy'; morally defiled.
ῥυπανθήτωlet him be filthyAor Pass Impv 3 Sg · ῥυπαίνωthird-person imperative→ constative aorist imperativeῥυπαίνω: 'defile, make filthy'; passive 'be made/remain filthy.'
ἔτιstilltemporal adverb
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὁtheNominativearticle
δίκαιοςrighteous (one)Nominativesubstantival adjective (subject)δίκαιος: 'righteous, just.'
δικαιοσύνηνrighteousnessAccusativedirect objectδικαιοσύνη: 'righteousness'; δικαιοσύνην ποιέω = 'do what is right' (cf. 1 John 2:29).
ποιησάτωlet him doAor Act Impv 3 Sg · ποιέωthird-person imperative→ constative aorist imperativeποιέω: 'do, practice.'
ἔτιstilltemporal adverb
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὁtheNominativearticle
ἅγιοςholy (one)Nominativesubstantival adjective (subject)ἅγιος: 'holy, set apart.'
ἁγιασθήτωlet him be made holyAor Pass Impv 3 Sg · ἁγιάζωthird-person imperative→ constative aorist imperativeἁγιάζω: 'sanctify, make holy'; passive — 'be sanctified / remain holy.'
ἔτιstilltemporal adverb
12
Ἰδοὺ ἔρχομαι ταχύ, καὶ ὁ μισθός μου μετ' ἐμοῦ, ἀποδοῦναι ἑκάστῳ ὡς τὸ ἔργον ἐστὶν αὐτοῦ.
"Behold, I am coming soon, and my reward is with me, to repay each one according to what his work is."
The second 'I am coming soon' (vv.7, 20), now with the promise of recompense (Isa 40:10; 62:11) — Christ as the eschatological judge who repays each by works.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
Ἰδοὺbeholdpresentative interjectionἰδού: 'behold!' (indeclinable).
ἔρχομαιI am comingPres Mid Indic 1 Sg · ἔρχομαιmain verb (futuristic present)→ futuristic present (imminence)ἔρχομαι: 'come'; the imminent advent of Christ.
ταχύsoonadverb of timeταχύ: 'quickly, soon.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὁtheNominativearticle
μισθόςrewardNominativesubject (of implied 'is')μισθός: 'wages, reward, recompense'; both reward and retribution (Isa 40:10).
μουmyGenitivepossessive genitive
μετ'withpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)
ἐμοῦmeGenitiveobject of μετά
ἀποδοῦναιto repayAor Act Inf · ἀποδίδωμιinfinitive of purpose→ constative aoristἀποδίδωμι: 'give back, repay, recompense'; the purpose of the coming — to render to each.
ἑκάστῳto eachDativeindirect object (of ἀποδοῦναι)ἕκαστος: 'each, every one'; individual recompense (cf. Ps 62:12; Rom 2:6).
ὡςascomparative conjunction (standard)ὡς: 'as, according as'; the measure of repayment.
τὸtheNominativearticle
ἔργονworkNominativesubject (of ἐστίν)ἔργον: 'work, deed'; the standard of judgment.
ἐστὶνisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula, rel. clause)→ stative present
αὐτοῦhisGenitivepossessive genitive
13
ἐγὼ τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος, ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος.
"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."
A triple self-designation of Christ (cf. 1:8, 17; 21:6), claiming the divine title of all-encompassing sovereignty — Alpha-Omega, first-last, beginning-end.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
ἐγὼINominativeemphatic subject pronounἐγώ: emphatic 'I' — the divine self-identification.
τὸtheNominativearticle
ἌλφαAlphapredicate (indeclinable letter-name)Ἄλφα: the first letter of the Greek alphabet (indeclinable); the beginning.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὸtheNominativearticle
ὮOmegapredicate (indeclinable letter-name)Ὦ (ὦ μέγα): the last letter of the alphabet (indeclinable); the end.
ὁtheNominativearticle
πρῶτοςfirstNominativepredicate (substantival adj.)πρῶτος: 'first'; cf. 1:17; Isa 44:6 (the LORD's title).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὁtheNominativearticle
ἔσχατοςlastNominativepredicate (substantival adj.)ἔσχατος: 'last'; the One who outlasts all.
ἡtheNominativearticle
ἀρχὴbeginningNominativepredicate nominativeἀρχή: 'beginning, origin'; cf. 21:6.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὸtheNominativearticle
τέλοςendNominativepredicate nominativeτέλος: 'end, goal, consummation.'
14
Μακάριοι οἱ πλύνοντες τὰς στολὰς αὐτῶν, ἵνα ἔσται ἡ ἐξουσία αὐτῶν ἐπὶ τὸ ξύλον τῆς ζωῆς καὶ τοῖς πυλῶσιν εἰσέλθωσιν εἰς τὴν πόλιν.
Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates.
The seventh and last beatitude. The critical text reads οἱ πλύνοντες τὰς στολάς ('who wash their robes'; cf. 7:14) against the Byzantine οἱ ποιοῦντες τὰς ἐντολάς ('who do his commandments') — washing in the Lamb's blood grants access to tree and city.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
ΜακάριοιblessedNominativepredicate adjective (beatitude)μακάριος: 'blessed'; the seventh beatitude of Revelation.
οἱthoseNominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
πλύνοντεςwho washPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · πλύνωsubstantival participle (subject)→ present (customary)πλύνω: 'wash' (of garments); cf. 7:14 — robes washed white in the Lamb's blood.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
στολὰςrobesAccusativedirect object of πλύνοντεςστολή: 'long robe'; the white garments of the redeemed (6:11; 7:9, 14).
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivepossessive genitive
ἵναso thatconjunction (purpose/result)ἵνα: introduces purpose/result; here with a future indicative and an aorist subjunctive — a Revelation irregularity.
ἔσταιmay beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίverb in ἵνα clause (fut. indic. — solecism)→ predictive futureεἰμί: the future ἔσται after ἵνα (instead of subjunctive) — a characteristic Apocalyptic solecism.
ἡtheNominativearticle
ἐξουσίαright/authorityNominativesubjectἐξουσία: 'authority, right'; ἐξουσία ἐπί = 'right of access to.'
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivepossessive genitive
ἐπὶtopreposition + accusative (object of right)ἐπί + acc. here: 'right over/to' the tree.
τὸtheAccusativearticle
ξύλονtreeAccusativeobject of ἐπίξύλον: 'tree'; the tree of life (v.2; 2:7).
τῆςofGenitivearticle
ζωῆςlifeGenitiveattributive genitiveζωή: 'life'; the tree of life.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τοῖςby theDativearticle
πυλῶσινgatesDativedat. of means/routeπυλών: 'gateway, gate-tower'; the twelve gates of the city (21:12–13).
εἰσέλθωσινmay enterAor Act Subj 3 Pl · εἰσέρχομαιverb in ἵνα clause (aor. subj.)→ ingressive aoristεἰσέρχομαι: 'enter, go in'; admission into the New Jerusalem.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (goal)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
πόλινcityAccusativeobject of εἰςπόλις: 'city'; the New Jerusalem (21:2).
15
ἔξω οἱ κύνες καὶ οἱ φάρμακοι καὶ οἱ πόρνοι καὶ οἱ φονεῖς καὶ οἱ εἰδωλολάτραι καὶ πᾶς φιλῶν καὶ ποιῶν ψεῦδος.
Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the sexually immoral and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
The dark obverse of the beatitude (cf. 21:8, 27): the excluded, listed by their characteristic vices — 'dogs' marking the impure (cf. Deut 23:18; Phil 3:2).
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
ἔξωoutsideadverb (of place; predicate)ἔξω: 'outside'; excluded from the city.
οἱtheNominativearticle
κύνεςdogsNominativesubject (of implied 'are')κύων: 'dog'; a metaphor for the impure/shameless (cf. Deut 23:18; Matt 7:6).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
οἱtheNominativearticle
φάρμακοιsorcerersNominativesubject (coordinate)φάρμακος: 'sorcerer, magician'; practitioner of φαρμακεία (cf. 9:21; 21:8).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
οἱtheNominativearticle
πόρνοιsexually immoralNominativesubject (coordinate)πόρνος: 'fornicator, sexually immoral person.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
οἱtheNominativearticle
φονεῖςmurderersNominativesubject (coordinate)φονεύς: 'murderer.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
οἱtheNominativearticle
εἰδωλολάτραιidolatersNominativesubject (coordinate)εἰδωλολάτρης: 'idolater'; one who serves idols (cf. 21:8).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
πᾶςeveryoneNominativesubject (substantival adj.)πᾶς: 'everyone'; πᾶς φιλῶν = 'everyone who loves.'
φιλῶνlovingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · φιλέωattributive participle (with πᾶς)→ present (customary)φιλέω: 'love, be fond of'; loving falsehood — moral allegiance to the lie.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ποιῶνpracticingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ποιέωattributive participle (coordinate)→ present (customary)ποιέω: 'do, practice'; ποιῶν ψεῦδος — fabricating/living the lie.
ψεῦδοςfalsehoodAccusativedirect object (of φιλῶν/ποιῶν)ψεῦδος: 'lie, falsehood'; antithesis of the 'true' words (v.6).
16
Ἐγὼ Ἰησοῦς ἔπεμψα τὸν ἄγγελόν μου μαρτυρῆσαι ὑμῖν ταῦτα ἐπὶ ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις. ἐγώ εἰμι ἡ ῥίζα καὶ τὸ γένος Δαυίδ, ὁ ἀστὴρ ὁ λαμπρὸς ὁ πρωϊνός.
"I, Jesus, sent my angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright morning star."
Jesus names himself for the first time in the epilogue, authenticating the revelation; he is David's root-and-offspring (Isa 11:1, 10) and the morning star (Num 24:17; cf. 2:28).
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
ἘγὼINominativeemphatic subject pronounἐγώ: emphatic 'I' — the speaker now named.
ἸησοῦςJesusNominativeapposition to ἐγώἸησοῦς: Jesus; the only explicit self-naming in the book's discourse.
ἔπεμψαsentAor Act Indic 1 Sg · πέμπωmain verb→ constative aoristπέμπω: 'send'; Jesus is the sender of the revealing angel (cf. 1:1).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ἄγγελόνangelAccusativedirect objectἄγγελος: 'angel, messenger.'
μουmyGenitivepossessive genitive
μαρτυρῆσαιto testifyAor Act Inf · μαρτυρέωinfinitive of purpose→ constative aoristμαρτυρέω: 'bear witness, testify'; the angel's purpose.
ὑμῖνto youDativeindirect object (plural — the churches)
ταῦταthese thingsAccusativedirect object of μαρτυρῆσαι
ἐπὶfor/concerningpreposition + dative (for the benefit of)ἐπί + dat. here: 'for, with reference to' the churches.
ταῖςtheDativearticle
ἐκκλησίαιςchurchesDativeobject of ἐπίἐκκλησία: 'assembly, church'; the seven churches and the whole church (chs. 2–3).
ἐγώINominativeemphatic subject pronounἐγώ εἰμι: the solemn self-predication formula.
εἰμιamPres Act Indic 1 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
ἡtheNominativearticle
ῥίζαrootNominativepredicate nominativeῥίζα: 'root'; the 'root of David' (Isa 11:1, 10; cf. 5:5) — source and heir of the Davidic line.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὸtheNominativearticle
γένοςoffspringNominativepredicate nominative (coordinate)γένος: 'offspring, descendant, family'; the 'offspring of David.'
Δαυίδof DavidGenitivegenitive of relationship (indeclinable proper name)Δαυίδ: David (indeclinable in form but here bearing genitive force).
ὁtheNominativearticle
ἀστὴρstarNominativepredicate nominative (apposition)ἀστήρ: 'star'; the messianic star (Num 24:17).
ὁtheNominativearticle
λαμπρὸςbrightNominativeattributive adjectiveλαμπρός: 'bright, radiant.'
ὁtheNominativearticle
πρωϊνόςmorningNominativeattributive adjectiveπρωϊνός: 'of the morning, early'; the morning star heralding the day (cf. 2:28; 2 Pet 1:19).
17
καὶ τὸ πνεῦμα καὶ ἡ νύμφη λέγουσιν· Ἔρχου. καὶ ὁ ἀκούων εἰπάτω· Ἔρχου. καὶ ὁ διψῶν ἐρχέσθω, ὁ θέλων λαβέτω ὕδωρ ζωῆς δωρεάν.
And the Spirit and the Bride say, "Come!" And let the one who hears say, "Come!" And let the one who thirsts come; let the one who desires take the water of life freely.
The church's responsive cry for Christ's coming, then a turn outward — an evangelistic invitation to the thirsty to take the free water of life (Isa 55:1; John 7:37).
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὸtheNominativearticle
πνεῦμαSpiritNominativesubjectπνεῦμα: 'Spirit'; the Spirit speaking in/through the church.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἡtheNominativearticle
νύμφηBrideNominativesubject (coordinate)νύμφη: 'bride'; the church as Christ's bride (21:2, 9).
λέγουσινsayPres Act Indic 3 Pl · λέγωmain verb→ customary presentλέγω: 'say'; the joint cry of Spirit and Bride.
ἜρχουCome!Pres Mid Impv 2 Sg · ἔρχομαιimperative (invocation of Christ)→ present imperativeἔρχομαι: 'come'; addressed to the coming Christ — 'Come, Lord!'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ἀκούωνwho hearsPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἀκούωsubstantival participle (subject)→ present (customary)ἀκούω: 'hear'; the hearer of the prophecy joins the cry.
εἰπάτωlet him sayAor Act Impv 3 Sg · λέγωthird-person imperative→ constative aorist imperativeλέγω/εἶπον: 'say'; the hearer echoes 'Come!'
ἜρχουCome!Pres Mid Impv 2 Sg · ἔρχομαιimperative (invocation)→ present imperativeἔρχομαι: 'come.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
διψῶνwho thirstsPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · διψάωsubstantival participle (subject)→ present (customary)διψάω: 'thirst'; the thirsty invited (Isa 55:1; John 7:37).
ἐρχέσθωlet him comePres Mid Impv 3 Sg · ἔρχομαιthird-person imperative (now to the thirsty)→ present imperativeἔρχομαι: 'come'; the invitation turns outward to the seeker.
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
θέλωνwho desiresPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · θέλωsubstantival participle (subject)→ present (customary)θέλω: 'wish, will, desire'; whoever is willing.
λαβέτωlet him takeAor Act Impv 3 Sg · λαμβάνωthird-person imperative→ constative aorist imperativeλαμβάνω: 'take, receive'; receive the gift of life freely.
ὕδωρwaterAccusativedirect objectὕδωρ: 'water'; the water of life (cf. v.1; 21:6).
ζωῆςof lifeGenitiveattributive genitiveζωή: 'life.'
δωρεάνfreelyadverbial accusative (cost-free)δωρεάν: 'as a gift, freely, without cost'; the grace of salvation (Isa 55:1).
18
Μαρτυρῶ ἐγὼ παντὶ τῷ ἀκούοντι τοὺς λόγους τῆς προφητείας τοῦ βιβλίου τούτου· ἐάν τις ἐπιθῇ ἐπ' αὐτά, ἐπιθήσει ὁ θεὸς ἐπ' αὐτὸν τὰς πληγὰς τὰς γεγραμμένας ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τούτῳ·
I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book;
A solemn integrity formula (Deut 4:2; 12:32): tampering with the prophecy invites the very plagues it describes — the first half of a positive/negative pair.
Word-by-word analysis· 30 words
ΜαρτυρῶI testifyPres Act Indic 1 Sg · μαρτυρέωmain verb→ performative presentμαρτυρέω: 'bear witness, solemnly affirm'; the speaker (Jesus/John) attests.
ἐγὼINominativeemphatic subject pronounἐγώ: emphatic — the personal solemnity of the warning.
παντὶto everyoneDativeindirect object (with τῷ ἀκούοντι)πᾶς: 'everyone'; the warning is universal.
τῷthe (one)Dativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ἀκούοντιwho hearsPres Act Ptc · Dat Sg Masc · ἀκούωsubstantival participle (indirect object)→ present (customary)ἀκούω: 'hear'; everyone hearing the public reading (cf. 1:3).
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
λόγουςwordsAccusativedirect object of ἀκούοντιλόγος: 'word.'
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
προφητείαςprophecyGenitiveattributive genitiveπροφητεία: 'prophecy.'
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
βιβλίουbookGenitivepossessive genitiveβιβλίον: 'book, scroll.'
τούτουthisGenitivedemonstrative
ἐάνifconjunction (3rd-class condition)ἐάν: 'if'; introduces the protasis.
τιςanyoneNominativesubject (indefinite pronoun)τις: 'anyone, someone.'
ἐπιθῇaddsAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἐπιτίθημιverb of protasis (subjunctive)→ constative aoristἐπιτίθημι: 'add, place upon'; ἐπιτίθημι ἐπί — to add to the text (Deut 4:2).
ἐπ'topreposition + accusative
αὐτάthemAccusativeobject of ἐπί (the words)
ἐπιθήσειwill addFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐπιτίθημιmain verb (apodosis)→ predictive futureἐπιτίθημι: a lex talionis wordplay — God will 'add' the plagues.
ὁtheNominativearticle
θεὸςGodNominativesubject (apodosis)θεός: God; the avenging guarantor of the text's integrity.
ἐπ'topreposition + accusative
αὐτὸνhimAccusativeobject of ἐπί
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
πληγὰςplaguesAccusativedirect object of ἐπιθήσειπληγή: 'blow, plague'; the bowl-plagues of chs. 15–16.
τὰςthe (ones)Accusativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
γεγραμμέναςwrittenPerf Pass Ptc · Acc Pl Fem · γράφωattributive participle (modifies πληγάς)→ intensive perfect (abiding record)γράφω: 'write'; perfect — the standing written record.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
τῷtheDativearticle
βιβλίῳbookDativeobject of ἐνβιβλίον: 'book.'
τούτῳthisDativedemonstrative
19
καὶ ἐάν τις ἀφέλῃ ἀπὸ τῶν λόγων τοῦ βιβλίου τῆς προφητείας ταύτης, ἀφελεῖ ὁ θεὸς τὸ μέρος αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τοῦ ξύλου τῆς ζωῆς καὶ ἐκ τῆς πόλεως τῆς ἁγίας, τῶν γεγραμμένων ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τούτῳ.
and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are written about in this book.
The second half: subtracting from the prophecy forfeits one's share in the tree of life and the holy city. The critical text reads ξύλου ('tree'; cf. v.2, 14) against the TR's βίβλου ('book of life').
Word-by-word analysis· 35 words
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐάνifconjunction (3rd-class condition)ἐάν: 'if.'
τιςanyoneNominativesubject (indefinite pronoun)τις: 'anyone.'
ἀφέλῃtakes awayAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἀφαιρέωverb of protasis (subjunctive)→ constative aoristἀφαιρέω: 'take away, remove'; subtracting from the text (Deut 4:2).
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation)
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
λόγωνwordsGenitiveobject of ἀπόλόγος: 'word.'
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
βιβλίουbookGenitivepossessive genitiveβιβλίον: 'book.'
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
προφητείαςprophecyGenitiveattributive genitiveπροφητεία: 'prophecy.'
ταύτηςthisGenitivedemonstrative
ἀφελεῖwill take awayFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀφαιρέωmain verb (apodosis)→ predictive futureἀφαιρέω: the lex talionis answer — God will 'take away' his share.
ὁtheNominativearticle
θεὸςGodNominativesubject (apodosis)θεός: God.
τὸtheAccusativearticle
μέροςshareAccusativedirect objectμέρος: 'part, share, portion'; one's inheritance in the city.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivepossessive genitive
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
ξύλουtreeGenitiveobject of ἀπόξύλον: 'tree'; the tree of life (critical text; TR reads βίβλου, 'book').
τῆςofGenitivearticle
ζωῆςlifeGenitiveattributive genitiveζωή: 'life.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (separation)
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
πόλεωςcityGenitiveobject of ἐκπόλις: 'city'; the holy city, New Jerusalem.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
ἁγίαςholyGenitiveattributive adjectiveἅγιος: 'holy'; the holy city (21:2, 10).
τῶνwhichGenitivearticle (substantizes ptc.; loosely concord)
γεγραμμένωνwrittenPerf Pass Ptc · Gen Pl Neut · γράφωattributive participle (the things written)→ intensive perfectγράφω: 'write'; the blessings 'written of' in this book (the genitive plural in loose apposition is a Revelation irregularity).
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
τῷtheDativearticle
βιβλίῳbookDativeobject of ἐνβιβλίον: 'book.'
τούτῳthisDativedemonstrative
20
Λέγει ὁ μαρτυρῶν ταῦτα· Ναί, ἔρχομαι ταχύ. Ἀμήν, ἔρχου, κύριε Ἰησοῦ.
The one who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
The third 'I am coming soon' (vv.7, 12), now sealed with 'Yes' (ναί); the church responds with the ancient prayer 'Amen, come, Lord Jesus' (cf. Maranatha, 1 Cor 16:22).
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
ΛέγειsaysPres Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (introduces speech)→ vivid presentλέγω: 'say.'
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
μαρτυρῶνwho testifiesPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · μαρτυρέωsubstantival participle (subject)→ present (customary)μαρτυρέω: 'testify'; the risen Christ, 'the faithful witness' (1:5; 3:14).
ταῦταthese thingsAccusativedirect object of μαρτυρῶν
ΝαίYesaffirmative particle/interjectionναί: 'yes, indeed' (indeclinable); the emphatic confirmation of the promise.
ἔρχομαιI am comingPres Mid Indic 1 Sg · ἔρχομαιmain verb (futuristic present)→ futuristic present (imminence)ἔρχομαι: 'come'; the final promise of the advent.
ταχύsoonadverb of timeταχύ: 'quickly, soon.'
ἈμήνAmeninterjection (Hebrew affirmation)ἀμήν: 'Amen, truly' (indeclinable Hebraism); the church's confirming assent.
ἔρχουCome!Pres Mid Impv 2 Sg · ἔρχομαιimperative (prayer/invocation)→ present imperativeἔρχομαι: 'come'; the Maranatha prayer (1 Cor 16:22; Aramaic marana tha).
κύριεLordVocativevocative of addressκύριος: 'Lord'; addressed to Jesus in prayer.
ἸησοῦJesusVocativevocative (apposition)Ἰησοῦς: Jesus; the object of the church's longing invocation.
21
Ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ μετὰ πάντων.
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.
The book — and the New Testament canon — closes with an epistolary grace-benediction; witnesses vary between μετὰ πάντων ('with all'), μετὰ τῶν ἁγίων ('with the saints'), and μετὰ πάντων τῶν ἁγίων, with or without a closing ἀμήν.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
ἩtheNominativearticle
χάριςgraceNominativesubject (of implied optative 'be')χάρις: 'grace, favor'; the Pauline-style closing benediction (cf. 1 Cor 16:23).
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
κυρίουLordGenitivepossessive/source genitiveκύριος: 'Lord'; the grace's source.
ἸησοῦJesusGenitivegenitive in apposition to κυρίουἸησοῦς: Jesus; the final word of address — the canon ends with his name and grace.
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)
πάντωνallGenitiveobject of μετά (substantival adj.)πᾶς: 'all'; the comprehensive scope of the closing grace.